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Lonal Xela Robinson, second generation publisher of The Houston Sun an acclaimed poet, was the second son and third child of Lonal Robinson (Lima, Ohio) and Dorris Jean Ellis Robinson (Lexington, MS).

He was born June 24, 1979 in Champaign, Illinois and died April 30, at Methodist Hospital in Houston, TX. The Robinsons moved to Houston when Lonal X. was three-years-old. He attended Ruby L. Thompson elementary school, James D. Ryan Middle School and Jack Yates High School in Houston, TX and college at Langston University in Langston, OK.

A man with a unique talent of humor and wit, he could make people laugh and think. He will be remembered for his prolific love for community service, poetry, and children’s book writing . Often before he would approve feature stories from interested prospects, he would inquire, “What are you doing in the community?” He would follow by saying that “The Houston Sun is a community newspaper” as he would make his decision. Even during his hospital stay, he identified story subjects based on what he learned about them during his illness.

Born into a family who supported the community, the young Robinson was known for his community service and continuously sought others to join him in his love and compassion for people who needed a lift. Time and time again he would seek to find ways to help others without compensation. He stressed that individuals should say, “thank you” when they have been supported. He endeavored to improve the lot of the residents of the community through programs that made a difference. He offered the idea for The Houston Sun to adopt Emancipation Park and present back-to-school rallies and talent shows for the children. His wish was that through performance they could prepare themselves for a better life.

Lonal X. joined his father, Lonal Robinson in death on April 30. He is survived by his mother, Dorris Ellis Robinson, brother, Sirrod Robinson (Sophia) of Houston, TX; two sisters Shuronda Robinson, Austin, TX; and Dorcaus Robinson, Scottsdale, AZ; four nephews: Adisa Jones, Alex Parks, and Jordan Parks, Austin, TX and Marcaus Nickles of Scottsdale, AZ; and one niece, Sarai Robinson, (Seble Wobshet, mother) Houston, TX; and two step nieces: Jameca McDaniel and Aryelle Williams (Sophia Robinson, mother). Lonal loved all his nieces and nephews, showering them with wisdom, humor and guidance toward education and life’s preparations, and sometimes even the best gifts. He would always have them give him a hug whenever he saw them.